Learning: Classical and Operant Conditioning

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Questions and Answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Habituation = Decreased response to a stimulus with repeated exposure Mere Exposure Effect = Learned preference for previously exposed stimuli Classical Conditioning = Learning by linking a neutral stimulus to an innate reflex Operant Conditioning = Learning based on the consequences of behavior

Match the type of learning with an example:

Simpler Learning = Ignoring a car alarm after frequent exposure Complex Learning = Associating a bell with food leading to salivation Behavioral Learning = Learning to speak by listening to others Observational Learning = Adopting a friend's habits after observing them

Match the learning theorist with their contribution:

Ivan Pavlov = Studied classical conditioning B.F. Skinner = Pioneered operant conditioning Albert Bandura = Introduced observational learning John Watson = Early behaviorist focused on behaviorism

Match the type of conditioning with its definition:

Classical Conditioning = Learning through association of stimuli Operant Conditioning = Learning through rewards and punishments Respondent Conditioning = Involves involuntary responses to stimuli Instrumental Conditioning = Learning influenced by consequences of actions Signup and view all the answers

Match the principle of learning to its description:

Learning by Association = Linking stimuli to produce a response Behavior Modifications = Changing behavior through reinforcements Vicarious Learning = Learning from the experiences of others Pattern Recognition = Identifying trends and connections in stimuli Signup and view all the answers

Match the components of classical conditioning with their definitions:

Neutral Stimulus (NS) = Stimulus that elicits no response before conditioning Unconditioned Stimulus (US) = Stimulus that naturally elicits a response Conditioned Stimulus (CS) = Originally neutral stimulus that gains the power to elicit a response Conditioned Response (CR) = Learned response to the conditioned stimulus Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of learning with their characteristics:

Classical Conditioning = Involves involuntary reflexes Operant Conditioning = Changes probability of behavior based on consequences Positive Reinforcement = Presentation of a stimulus to increase a behavior Punisher = Stimulus that diminishes behavioral responses Signup and view all the answers

Match the theorist with their contributions to behaviorism:

Ivan Pavlov = Famous for classical conditioning with dogs B.F. Skinner = Known for operant conditioning and work with rats Edward Thorndike = Developed the Law of Effect John Watson = Pioneered behaviorism in psychology Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of responses with their characteristics:

Unconditioned Response (UR) = Natural response to an unconditioned stimulus Conditioned Response (CR) = Learned response that occurs after conditioning Reinforcer = Condition that strengthens a response Operant = Observable behavior of an organism Signup and view all the answers

Match the definitions with their terms:

Law of Effect = Behaviors followed by favorable outcomes are likely to recur Operant = Behavior used by an organism to achieve goals Reinforcement = Condition that increases the likelihood of a behavior Voluntary Response = Deliberate and purposeful behavior Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning: Classical and Operant Conditioning

Learning is the process of acquiring new and lasting information or behaviors.
Learning involves a lasting change, not just a simple reflex. It also involves mental processes to obtain and retain the information.
We learn new behaviors through observing others.
Learning has a greater influence on human behavior than instinct, marking an evolutionary advance.
Learning occurs through association.
The mind constantly searches for patterns in observed stimuli to determine responses.
Learning can also occur indirectly through language, allowing us to learn from others' experiences.

Types of Learning

Simple Learning: Includes habituation, a decrease in response to repeated stimuli.
- Example: Getting used to city noises like car horns.
- Another example is the amount of times you look when hearing a car alarm.
Mere Exposure Effect: A learned preference for stimuli to which we have been previously exposed.
- Example: a preference for the voice of a best friend versus a stranger’s.
- Another Example: what drink your parents preffered when you were a child

Complex Learning

Behavioral Learning: Forms of learning like classical and operant conditioning described in terms of stimuli and responses.
- Stimulus: an event or situation that evokes a response.

Classical Conditioning

Developed by Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936).
A form of learning where a neutral stimulus is linked to a stimulus that triggers an automatic response, with repetition the neutral stimulus eliciting the response.
Neutral Stimulus: A stimulus that produces no conditioned response before learning.
A conditioned stimulus (or sometimes called CS) is a neutral stimulus, which when paired with an unconditioned stimulus, becomes capable of producing a conditioned response.
A conditioned response (or sometimes called CR) is a learned response to a previously neutral stimulus.
Unconditioned Stimulus (US): A stimulus naturally triggering a response.
Unconditioned Response (UR): An automatic response to a stimulus.
Example: Hearing thunder (US) after lightning (NS) which leads a person to flinch or cover their ears (UR). After multiple pairings the lightning (CS) causes flinching (CR).

Operant Conditioning

Learning where behavior changes due to its consequences.
A behavior (operant) is observed to understand how organism "operates" within an environment.
Behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer.
Behavior decreases when followed by a punisher.

Reinforcement

Positive Reinforcement: Presenting a stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior happening again.
- Example: getting paid for good grades.
Negative Reinforcement: Removing an undesirable stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior happening again.
- Example: Taking pain medicine to reduce a headache.

Punishment

Positive Punishment: An undesirable event that follows a behavior to decrease its likelihood.
- Example: Getting detention for cheating.
Negative Punishment: Removing something desirable following a behavior to decrease its likelihood.
- Example: Having your phone taken for failing classes.

Classical vs. Operant Conditioning

Classical conditioning involves automatic responses to stimuli, while operant conditioning involves voluntary responses to consequences.

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Description

Explore the fascinating processes of classical and operant conditioning in learning. This quiz covers key concepts like simple learning, habituation, and the mere exposure effect. Test your understanding of how we acquire and retain new behaviors and information through observation and association.